Ratios and Requirements
What is the DHS-required ratio for school-age children?
1 staff to 12 children
When should active supervision be increased?
During transitions, outdoor play, or high-risk activities
What should staff do before and after moving to a new location?
Conduct a headcount and name-to-face check
Who is responsible for maintaining DHS compliance?
All staff members
A staff is texting while supervising 12 kids. What’s the issue?
Not actively supervising
What is the maximum group size for a school-age room?
24 children per group
What does “name-to-face” mean in supervision?
Identifying each child by name visually (not just counting heads)
How often should headcounts occur?
Constantly – before, during, and after transitions
Can volunteers count in ratio?
No – only qualified staff count toward ratio
A child leaves the room to get a drink without telling anyone. What policy was broken?
Lack of awareness and accountability during supervision
True or False: A staff member can supervise 20 children alone during outside play while another staff takes 4 children to the bathroom.
False, this exceeds ratio requirements.
Describe how staff should be positioned during outdoor play.
Spread out, with all children in line of sight
What 4 things must be brought outside when transitioning to the playground?
Sign in sheet, center cell phone, Primary Care Group Lists, First Aid Bookbag.
What is required during bathroom breaks?
Supervision from a distance; visual/verbal monitoring.
Staff must remain outside of the bathroom door to listen for any reason to intervene.
Two staff are talking while children move between the cafeteria and playground. What’s missing?
Active supervision during transition
A family member at pick up wants to talk to you extensively, which pulls your attention away from the children. How do you respond?
Many phrases can be used, with the point being:
I would love to hear about the rest of your story, can we set up a time to talk when I am not supervising the children?
What is the risk of congregating in one area while supervising?
Children may be unsupervised or out of sight in other areas
You are outside with one other team member, and 24 children. 1 child has to use the restroom. What do you do?
1) Take 12 kids with you.
2) Call for another team member or leadership to come cover you/ escort the one child.
Calling out requires notice in order to manage ratio. What is the correct procedure?
AM Call outs- Kaite
PM Call outs- Office by noon.
One staff is indoors with 14 children. Problem?
Over ratio – exceeds 1:12
What procedure must be maintained to demonstrate proper supervision?
Primary Care Groups
Name the four key components of active supervision.
See, Hear, Direct, Assess
A staff member needs to use the restroom. You have 21 kids in the gym together. They tell you they'll be super quick, and leave the gym.
Use your walkie to contact Leadership ASAP. Leadership will assist you, then address the violation with the other staff member.
Requesting off requires notice in order to manage ratio. What is the correct procedure?
Two weeks notice in writing to Kathleen.
A child was left in the cafeteria during transition. What should have been done?
Accurate headcount and name-to-face check with Primary Care Group list before leaving.